Category: Health Care

Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

Know How It Spreads

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The best way to prevent the illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person.

Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Some recent studies suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Everyone Should Know

Clean your hands often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid touching

Avoid close contact

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home as much as possible.

Put distance between yourself and other people.

Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus.

Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.

Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.

Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.

Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

Throw used tissues in the trash.

Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

To disinfect:

Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Options include:

Diluting your household bleach.

To make a bleach solution, mix:

5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water

OR

4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for applications and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronavirus when properly diluted.

Alcohol solutions.

Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.

Other common EPA- registered household disinfectants.

Products with EPA – approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).

People with dementia can become frustrated when a task is too difficult. Consider the following tips when providing care to minimize their frustration.

Establish a daily routine and perform tasks during the periods the person is most alert. Allow for some flexibility on more difficult days. Simple tasks make take longer than they used to so be prepared to take a break during the task. The person with dementia should be allowed to do as much for themselves as they are able. Provide simple choices to minimize frustration. For instance, would you like to wear the red shirt or the white shirt today? Use clear, one step communication. Avoid prolonged napping throughout the day to prevent night and day mix-ups. Minimize distractions which allows the person better focus on the task at hand.

Dementia impairs judgement so ensuring safety is of major concern. Prevent falls by making sure pathways are free of obstructions, remove scatter rugs and electrical cords that present a hazard. Make sure there are hand rails and grab bars located in critical areas. Make sure that all potentially dangerous items are stored behind locked doors. This would include medications, cleaning supplies, alcohol and dangerous weapons and tools. Also check the water temperature and adjust to a lower setting to prevent burns. Keep matches and lighters out of reach, have a fire extinguisher nearby. Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order.

Providing care for a person with dementia can be overwhelming and frustrating. Taking time for your own well-being and the support of family and friends can help you deal with the challenges the lay ahead.